China’s anti-Teslas: cheap models drive electric car boom

“It’s a transport tool. It’s purely for mobility rather than for showing off, having a big car for all the family, or for any technology factors,” he added.

China’s cocktail of pro-electric policies is a challenge for global automakers, as foreign manufacturers can access subsidies only via joint ventures with local partners, producing cars under new made-for-China brand names such as Denza. But those brands lack the cachet of established foreign marques, and cost more than most local brands even after subsidies. That’s in part because Chinese automakers are more aggressive in lowering their costs regardless of quality, said an executive at a multinational auto parts firm.